To those that are deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its wake, we are thinking of you.
So, you have received the life-altering news that you no longer have a job. Ouch. We know it does not help the stress level but we think it is pertinent to mention that you are not alone. In fact, there are over 38 million people who have filed for unemployment benefits as of May 21, 2020, according to NPR.
It is hard to fathom that so many people are out of work. And truthfully, the people in charge need to worry about that. You need to worry about you and the repercussions of your personal job loss.
Whether you have recently lost your job due to the coronavirus pandemic or for an entirely different reason, there are a number of things you need to do right away. We are outlining those
Lose Your Job | #1 Letter of Recommendation
Depending on the circumstance of your job loss, you may not feel this is a necessary step. We will leave that decision to you. However, if the circumstance is positive and you are leaving on a good note, you need to ask for a letter of recommendation from your employer.
Providing a letter of rec to your future potential employers during interviews will prove extremely beneficial. things for you here. Do not leave your current job without one.
Lose Your Job | #2 Understand Your Health Insurance
This is timely! Many professionals have health insurance through their employer. Well, no employer means no health insurance. And that is bad news. Understand how long you will have your healthcare benefits for once terminated.
Once that runs out, you have two options — COBRA coverage and the Marketplace. Not to get too technical but COBRA is basically an extension of your former coverage. It is a federal policy that requires health care plans to provide a temporary continuation of health care. Learn more about COBRA, here.
The Marketplace is the name for the federal health care plans. Losing your job is a qualifying event for these plans which means you have 60 days to enroll from your termination. Find out more about Marketplace health care plans here and here.
Lose Your Job | #3 File for Unemployment
One of the first things you will need to do when you lose your job is file for unemployment.
If you are wondering if you even qualify for unemployment benefits, click here to visit the official U.S. Department of Labor website. You will find everything you need to know.
If you are ready to file a claim, click here to visit that official website. You will then select the state you worked from the drop down menu. This will give you some more website links to find general information about the unemployment insurance program and to ultimately file a claim.
Once you file a claim (and it is approved), you will at least have some income coming in while you figure out what your next step is.
Lose Your Job | #4 Update Résumé
We have said it before, your résumé is one of the most important documents you own. Whether you want to hit the job market right away or take some time for yourself, your résumé will need updating at some point with your most recent accomplishments and references.
To make sure it is suitable for human eyes again, click here. We have written an entire post on just this.
Lose Your Job | #5 Create Cover Letter
If you are eager to get back on your feet, dust off that cover letter, along with your résumé. You will need to tweak it to accommodate the job opportunities you find. Click here to know what to include and what not to include in your cover letter.
Lose Your Job | #6 Update LinkedIn Profile
We suggest updating your LinkedIn profile to show recruiters that you are open to job opportunities. Visit your profile to make that change.
Lose Your Job | #7 Look for an Interim Job
If you have lost your job temporarily (due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for example) and will be able to go back to it eventually, we suggest getting an interim job.
Losing your job can be stressful, especially when you still have food to provide and bills to pay. So, waiting on your job to resume is not an option.
Do not overlook the rest of your profile. Make sure it is up-to-date and is full of engaging language. We have written a blog post to help. Click here.
We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors! Stay safe and stay informed.
Here are some other posts we think you will be interested in:
Career Change: 9 Signs it is Time for a New Job
Continuing Education: Balancing a Career & School
Résumé Tips: 7 Things You Need to Include in Yours
Cover Letter Tips: 4 Things You Need to Include
Comments